​Prince William remembers Princess Diana during his Tokyo visit

He may be
thousands of miles from home, but Prince William felt a special bond with his late mother Princess Diana while visiting Yokohama British Commonwealth War Cemetery in
Japan on Friday.

Prince William paused at several graves during his tour of the cemetery Photo: Getty Images

Upon the
Prince's arrival at the cemetery there was a picture set out of his mother laying
a wreath at the same location 20 years earlier. William took a moment to view
the black-and-white photo, which showed Diana wearing a navy coat as she paid her respects on February 7, 1995,
before signing the book of condolences on the table.

A photo of Princess Diana was laid out showing her visit from 20 years earlier Photo: Getty Images

Often keeping
the thoughts of his mother private, William opened up about his grief last year
after becoming the royal patron of the Child Bereavement Charity.

"Never
being able to say the word 'mommy' again in your life sounds like a
small thing," he said. "However, for many, including me, it's now
really just a word — hollow and evoking only memories."

Princess Diana at the Japanese War Cemetery in 1995 Photo: Getty Images

The Duke took
time to tour the cemetery before following in his mother's footsteps and
placing his own wreath at the memorial. He accompanied the arrangement with his
own heartfelt message. "May we
never forget all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," he
wrote.

The Duke took a moment to view the photo of his mother Photo: Getty Images

Later that
day, the 32-year-old had a more lighthearted engagement in which he helped launch
the Innovation is GREAT campaign in the Tokyo district of Roppongi Hills. He
then donned a traditional Japanese Happi coat and took part in a sake barrel
breaking ceremony at Mori Academy. The father of Prince George then spoke about
some of the dream jobs he had as a child.

Later in the day, William took part in a sake barrel breaking Photo: Getty Images

"When I was younger, I dreamt of being
an astronaut," he said. "But I also thought that I was going to be a policeman one day, as a
very small boy." And showing off his humorous side, the Prince added,
"I've always wanted to say I'd be something like a fire breather. But
that's far too alternative. So sadly, just a policeman for me."

Audiences were delighted to see the Prince in traditional Japanese garb Photo: Getty Images

The future king arrived in Tokyo on Thursday as part of a weeklong tour through
Japan and China, a first for the royal. Also on the royal itinerary are visits
to Beijing and Shanghai, where he will be highlighting British links with Japan
and China and addressing issues such innovation, trade and creativity.